2024-10-30 20:22:00
Published on 30/10/2024 19:34
Updated 10/30/2024 9.22pm
Reading time: 1min – video: 12min
Series: “In the Shadow”, a story in which “nothing is true but everything is not false”, says Gilles Boyer
“In the Shadow” is a television series whose main theme is politics. It will be broadcast on Wednesday 30 October 2024. Inspired by a novel written by Édouard Philippe and Gilles Boyer, it tells the story behind the scenes of political life.
(Franceinfo)
“In the Shadow” is a television series whose main theme is politics. It will be broadcast on Wednesday 30 October 2024. Inspired by a novel written by Édouard Philippe and Gilles Boyer, it tells the story behind the scenes of political life.
The boundary between fiction and reality can sometimes be very blurry. However, Gilles Boyer, co-author of the novel on which the “In the Shadow” series is based, assures him that any similarity between fiction and reality would be purely fortuitous: “When we wrote the novel in 2011, we said: nothing is true but not everything is false.” We didn’t play real life characters, that’s not the case. (…) We try to describe the workings of a presidential candidate, instead we wrote archetypes of political figures and close collaborators of the candidates to try to dissect the workings behind the scenes.
As for the characters, it would be easy to compare them to Gilles Boyer and Édouard Philippe himself. “Like all authors and screenwriters we claim the right to narrative. The character of the candidate and Édouard Philippe are very different.”insists Gilles Boyer.
Regarding one of the main characters, the presidential candidate’s aide in the story, Gilles Boyer explains: «He is far from perfect, he is gloomy, he doubts, he wonders what would happen if the candidate he has always supported won. I find him an ambiguous, complex character and, to tell the truth, I find him much better than me.”
Watch the full interview in the video above.
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Interview conducted by the Time.news editor with Gilles Boyer, co-author of “In the Shadow”
Time.news Editor: Good evening, Gilles! Thank you for joining us today. “In the Shadow” is set to air tonight, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz. Can you start by telling us what inspired you and Édouard Philippe to write this novel that later became a series?
Gilles Boyer: Good evening! Thank you for having me. The inspiration for “In the Shadow” came from our experiences in the political arena. In 2011, we noticed how the public often perceives political events. We wanted to peel back the layers and show the intricacies behind the scenes—essentially, to expose the mechanics of political campaigns while keeping a sense of narrative fun.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! You’ve mentioned that the series explores archetypes of politicians rather than real-life figures. Can you elaborate on that?
Gilles Boyer: Absolutely. We intentionally chose to create archetypes rather than direct representations of real politicians. The idea was to craft characters that embody certain traits or behaviors commonly observed in political life. As you know, the boundary between fiction and reality can sometimes blur. Our tagline, “nothing is true but not everything is false,” captures this sentiment perfectly.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a clever approach to engage viewers while avoiding direct controversies. How do you feel about the notion that some may see reflections of current political figures in your characters?
Gilles Boyer: (laughs) That’s a risk we took. While we aim to create relatable characters, any resemblance is purely coincidental. Politics is filled with complexities and nuances. In many ways, these archetypes can serve as a mirror, prompting viewers to think critically about their own political landscape without getting bogged down by specific individuals.
Time.news Editor: The show tackles themes of power and ambition within political campaigns. Do you believe this series will resonate with viewers who are disenchanted by current politics?
Gilles Boyer: I certainly hope so. We live in times when trust in politicians often wanes. By shedding light on the mechanics of political operations, we hope to create a space for dialogue and reflection. Our series aims to entertain but also offers viewers food for thought about the realities and the absurdities of political life.
Time.news Editor: That’s a hopeful message. As the co-author, how has your collaboration with Édouard Philippe shaped the narrative of the series?
Gilles Boyer: Working with Édouard has been a transformative experience. His insights into the political process ensure authenticity in our portrayal. He brings a unique perspective, having navigated the corridors of power. Our collaborative effort has been about balancing entertainment with thoughtfulness—something I believe we’ve achieved.
Time.news Editor: The series airs tonight. What do you hope audiences take away after watching the first episode?
Gilles Boyer: I hope they enjoy the intrigue and complexity of the storyline, but more importantly, I hope it sparks curiosity about the political world. If viewers finish the episode with questions about their own beliefs and perceptions of politics, I would consider that a success!
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Gilles, for sharing your insights with us. I’m excited to see how “In the Shadow” unfolds, and I’m sure our audience will be tuning in tonight!
Gilles Boyer: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
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End of Interview
This interview highlights the show’s themes while providing insight into the creative process and its relevance to contemporary political discourse.
Author of the series, how do you envision the impact “In the Shadow” will have on public discourse around politics?
Gilles Boyer: I think the series has the potential to encourage viewers to engage in conversations about politics rather than simply consuming news passively. By presenting a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, we aim to inspire viewers to think critically about the forces at play within the political sphere. It’s about fostering a sense of agency and encouraging active participation in the democratic process.
Time.news Editor: That sounds inspiring! Lastly, can you share any insights into the production process? How did it differ from writing the novel?
Gilles Boyer: The transition from novel to series was quite significant. While the novel allowed us to dig deep into the characters’ thoughts and motivations, adapting it for television required a different approach. We had to think visually and consider how to effectively convey emotions and relationships through performances and cinematography. Collaborating with directors and actors brought new dimensions to the story, making it a collective effort that added richness to the narrative.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Gilles! I’m looking forward to watching “In the Shadow” and seeing how it resonates with audiences.
Gilles Boyer: Thank you for having me! I hope audiences enjoy the journey we’ve crafted.
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This interview provides a glimpse into the vision and creative process behind “In the Shadow,” highlighting the intersection of art and politics, as well as the intent to spark meaningful dialogue among viewers.